Covid-19 Eviction: Model Motion

Protection against eviction and homelessness for private renters affected by Covid-19

This motion calls on the Council to lobby the Government to bring forward legislation to scrap Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, known as ‘no fault’ evictions, and suspend Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, for rent arrears built up due to the economic shock of Covid-19.

Rent arrears have tripled since the onset of coronavirus. An estimated half a million households are in debt to their landlord, and this number is likely to increase as the furlough scheme is wound down in Autumn and further job losses are announced.  Without financial support, thousands more renters will face homelessness.  Research by Generation Rent shows over half of renters are worried about eviction, and a third are very worried abut their ability to pay the rent.[1]

This Council notes:

  • the Government pledged to scrap Section 21 in their manifesto and the last election.
  • the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pledged "no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home"
  • Local authorities are the on the front line of our fight against coronavirus. Many councils across the country have warned that homelessness services are preparing for an increase of cases after the eviction ban is lifted.
  • The governments in Scotland and Wales have recognised that, with the virus undefeated and the economic outlook uncertain, renters need additional protection from eviction to help them stay safely in their homes. But the UK Government is continuing with evictions as normal. 

This Council agrees that:

  • No one should lose their home due to the economic impact of covid-19. The Government must  bring forward temporary legislation to make sure no renter’s home is at risk.
  • Now is the time for the Government to deliver on their pledge to end ‘no fault’ evictions, where tenants can be forced to leave their home for no good reason.

This motion calls on the Council to:

  • Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking them to commit to bringing forward temporary legislation to scrap Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, and suspend Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, for rent arrears built up due to the economic shock of Covid-19.
  • Support Generation Rent’s No Home At Risk campaign, and work with them and the [Leader, Mayor, Cabinet Member for Housing] to deliver more affordable, secure and safer homes in the private rented sector.

Proposer:

Seconder:

[1] https://www.generationrent.org/relying_on_compassion_isn_t_working

 

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